Outdoor Adventure

Adventure Around the Corner

In and around the Town of Pictou, there are many fun outdoor activities and adventures. Enjoy a leisurely sunset stroll along the Pictou waterfront, take a historic walking tour, kayak the warm waters of the Northumberland Strait or play a game of golf overlooking scenic Pictou Harbour. If sandcastles and sun are more your style there are three beautiful sandy beaches nearby.

Trails

Jitney Walking Trail

Take a walk along the Jitney Walking Trail along the waterfront in Pictou. Walkers and cyclists can enjoy a three kilometre trail to the site where the ship Hector made its historic landing in 1773. Park benches are available, allowing you to take in the panoramic views. Along the way you can learn about Pictou through interpretive panels and views of the site the Hector settlers landing. The Jitney Trail connects directly to the Trans Canada Trail System for more avid hikers.

Short Line Trail

Located at Brown's Point to Scotsburn, this 12.7 km recreational trail is made of compacted surface suitable for cycling, walking, running, snowmobiling, skiing and ATVs. Accessible from Brown's Point, Blackie Road in Lyons Brook off Route 376 and Scotsburn, behind the fire hall. This line provided a faster route for westbound Pictou County Coal than the mainline via Truro. Quarried stone from Wallace and salt from Canada's first salt mine in Malagash were shipped along this line. Freight traffic declined through the 1970's and was abandoned in 1985.

Fitzpatrick Mountain Trail

Located at Scotsburn to Millsville, this eight km trail is challenging narrow woodland hiking trail has steep sections and occasional wet sections. Sturdy footwear is recommended. Suitable for hiking, skilled mountain bikers, and trail runners. Accessible at Scotsburn behind recreation grounds at route 256, and from Millsville, less than one-half km along Elmfield Rd. from the Herman Church Cairn at the intersection of Millsville and Elmfield Roads. This trail was developed entirely by the Pictou County Trails Association, with the cooperation of the landowners along the route.

Walking Tours

Join a historic walking tour of the Town of Pictou with costumed tour guides. These informative tours include architecture, historical buildings and sites throughout the downtown and waterfront. Seasonal guided tours are arranged through the Hector Exhibit Centre. For more information visit www.mccullochcentre.ca

Kayaking

Coastal Spirit Expeditions offers exiting kayak tours that will introduce you to the natural and cultural history of the area. Day tours, multi-day tours, special tours and professional instruction are offered. No prior experience is necessary for taking an active approach to learning about a region, nor is age a limiting factor. However, a love for the outdoors and a desire to experience new and exciting things is recommended. For more information visit www.coastalspiritexpeditions.com

Birdwatching

Enthusiasts have long enjoyed coming to Pictou County for birdwatching. With a number of bald eagles and ospreys making their nests in the various areas of the county, there are many opportunities to study these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. A unique viewing opportunity is the nesting site of the cormorants along the Pictou Causeway. This migrating species returns to this site every year and has become a major landmark in Pictou County. For more information about birdwatching in Pictou County contact the Department of Natural Resources at MacLellan's Brook, at 902-752-3181.

Nearby Beaches

Caribou Provincial Park

Located just 11 km north of junction 6, TCH 106 and Route 376 through Pictou, 4 km East of the Caribou ferry wharf. An open picnic area with picnic tables, water, toilets, change areas and access to a sandy beach offering warm water for swimming. Open fields provide ample space for active games. Phone: 902-485-6134.

Munroe's Island Nature Reserve

Located along the Northumberland Strait (part of Caribou Provincial Park) is an ideal location to spot many species of wildlife which are found in the sanctuary there. Hikers and nature enthusiasts are welcome to explore the Island and enjoy the solitude of the park. A lucky visitor may catch a glimpse of eagles, geese, ducks, osprey and possibly a fox or two. Phone: 902-485-6134

Waterside Beach Provincial Park

Located 3.2 km North off route 6, East of Caribou River or exit 22 off TCH 104 to 106, then exit to route 6. The park comprises a combination of long, sandy beach, salt marsh and open fields. The beach is accessible from a raised boardwalk; all facilities are adjacent to the walkway. The beach is long, wide, seldom crowded, and the water is very warm.

Island Adventure

Pictou Island is located 6 km off the coast along the Northumberland Straight. It is accessed only by a walk-on ferry. Visitors to Pictou Island can enjoy pristine sandy beaches, and the day park at the east end of the island. Most of Pictou Island is private land. Camping is allowed at designated camp sites; check the following website for camping www.pictouislandwoodentents.com. Plan a day trip to the island, and spend your time enjoying the outdoors by foot, hiking, picnicking, birdwatching or swimming.